Summer is nearing an end and homeschooling parents are trying to figure out what to do next. Some are hitting homeschooling conventions left and right trying to find amazing deals and bargains. Others are scrounging around trying to see what they have on their bookshelves to see how they can make this next year work with what they have. Others are simply stressed. Burnt out. Wondering if they should even continue to homeschool again this year. Last year was rough for them. Sally still cannot read and Bobby still struggles with spelling and the three-year-old refuses to learn his alphabet. What now? If you have a Sally, or a Bobby, or a three-year-old (even one who knows his alphabet,) then you might be pulling your hair out right now wondering how in the world homeschooling will work for you this year. If you are determined to continue to homeschool for whatever reason, (finances, religious conviction, personal preference, etc.) remember that you have options.
The way you view homeschooling or and the way that you have always done it does not need to dictate how you do it in the years to come. There have been times in my life; such as dealing with Lyme disease, having a newborn or spending a year on the mission field, when I have had to switch things up a bit. I did school a bit differently than I normally would and you know what? That is okay. My kids are actually better off in the long run because now they have been exposed to different ways of learning. I also understand my kids better and know what works for them and what does not.
If you are at the end of your rope and feel like you need help this year, here are several options to think about.
Classical Conversations: I attend a small church. 90% of the families with children home educate their children. WIthin that 90%, my family is the only one that does not participate in Classical Conversations! Which means, I have heard much about the program. I have heard positives and negatives. For the most part, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives, at least among the people I encounter. From what I gather, the parent is still responsible for homeschooling their child but the group gets together every week with kids their age and a tutor to help them along in the curriculum. They participate in science fairs, debates, mock trials, camps and other group-based activities. If you feel like you have gaps in your schooling and also want to make sure your kids are being socially active then this option might be for you. It will also give you a few hour break each week!
Local Co-ops: A wide variety of c-op’s are available to homeschoolers these days. You will need to do your research concerning the ones in your area. https://hslda.org/content/orgs/Default.aspx Co-op’s can be refreshing times in your homeschool. If you simply need a break from your daily routine and need to get out of the house for a bit, then this option is one you should look into. Most co-op’s do not allow you to drop off your kids so you will not necessarily get a chance to be alone per say but you will be getting a break from the daily grind which is sometimes all a mom needs.
Private Christian Schools: Some private Christian schools provide options for homeschoolers such as extra-curricular classes such as Spanish, art, music or sports. Consider this option if it is available in your area.
Online Christian Schooling Options: Different curriculum, such as Bob Jones, offer a complete online curriculum. I have met families who were absolutely thrilled with this option. Even if you only use it for a few courses or a few years, it can certainly lighten the load if you as a homeschooling parent are overwhelmed or going through a major life change.
Community Classes and Opportunities: When your child begins to enter into the middle school and high school years, finding classes through your community or local colleges might be the way to go. Our local community college offer STEM-based classes for homeschoolers at affordable rates. These classes not only teach important skills for our children but you can include them on your high schooler’s transcript for credit.
Tutoring: Choosing either a local or online tutor can help ease your homeschooling day if there is a certain subject that your child struggles with. Consider hiring a tutor for math if that is your child’s weakness (or yours!) or hire an online foreign language or music tutor to teach your child a skill that you might not have.
How do you outsource in your homeschool? Does a grandparent teach your child how to sew? Does a mom hold cooking classes for the teens in your church? Share your ideas!
